he expects them to quickly vote to pass legislation to avoid the fiscal cliff, if, he and the speaker are able to make a deal before it's too late. gregg: we'll be holding our breath. peter doocy, thanks. >> reporter: yeah. patti ann: the commander-in-chief also spent part of his holiday thanking the troops on a visit to a hawaiian military base. the president and first lady paying tribute to those here and abroad who risk their lives keeping us safe. he took time to honor their families as well. >> so many of you make sacrifices day in, day out on behalf of our freedom, on behalf of our security, and not only do those in uniform make sacrifices but i think everybody here understands the sacrifices that families make each and every day as well. and michelle --. patti ann: the president also made a series of holiday phone calls monday night thanking members of the armed forces around the globe. >>> shoppers are going to be making tough decisions today. many preparing to return unwanted holiday gifts. retailers suggest patience if you plan to hit the stores today. they are expecting a v